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Soul legend Eddie Floyd has spoken to ClashMusic about the legacy of Stax Records.

With his overwhelming personality and gutsy voice, Eddie Floyd became a star on the soul scene during the 60s and 70s. Hits such as 'Big Bird' and the immortal 'Knock On Wood' enshrined him as an icon at a time when soul music was blessed with some fantastic performers.

A lynchpin of Stax Records, Eddie Floyd worked with Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Staplers Singers and more. Set to return to London for a special show later this month, the soul icon reflected on the enduring popularity of soul.

"It doesn’t matter about age, if a song is a good song then people like it. Young people seem to like doo wop because it’s different" he said. "There are a lot of new albums that have a doo wop sound."

"There are some people I’ve met that you can’t have a dialogue with; they couldn’t speak English and yet they’ll understand how to sing the backing vocals for ‘Knock on Wood’. It was amazing how they could pick up the sounds."

Continuing, the singer reflected on life at Stax during the 60s. Famously taking a revue to Europe in 1967, the label was capable of placing Sam & Dave, Otis Redding and Eddie Floyd on the same stage.

Speaking to ClashMusic, the singer denied that there was any element of competition. "I know that I couldn’t do what Otis Redding did, and he didn’t present it the way I did. There wasn’t any competition. There was just a natural difference."

Several important musicians from the Stax era are set to descend on the UK later this month for a series of special shows. Stax! Live hits London on July 27th, featuring Eddie Floyd working alongside original MG members Steve Cropper, Donald 'Duck' Dunn and more.

Keeping things in the family, the band is completed by Lester Snell from Issac Hayes original band on Hammond B3 and Steve Potts on drums, who replaced the late great Al Jackson in the MGs over 30 years ago.